Current research degree projects
Explore our current postgraduate research degree and PhD opportunities.
Search PhD projects
246 research degree projects
-
Engineering
Sports acoustics: Impact sound in cricket, golf, baseball and tennis
This project examines how impact sounds in cricket, golf, and tennis reveal the physics and performance quality of each strike. Through acoustic analysis, physics based models, and machine learning, it aims to reveal the information hidden in these acoustic signals. -
Engineering
Aerodynamics of rough surfaces: transition and heating
High speed boundary layer transition to turbulence over rough surfaces with heat transfer is an outstanding problem in fluid mechanics, with important technological applications. On this project you'll use scale-resolving numerical simulation to understand the flow physics and develop new prediction methods. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Quantum machine learning for efficient spike sorting in low-cost neural recording systems
This project explores quantum machine learning, specifically quantum kernel methods, to enable efficient spike sorting for resource-constrained neural recording systems. The goal is to overcome computational limitations of current methods, facilitating real-time applications like brain-computer interfaces and portable neurotechnology. -
Engineering
Sound-activated injectable biomaterials for healing bones
Broken bones don’t always heal, and current treatments are invasive and imprecise. In this project you’ll explore how ultrasound can “switch on” bone repair using injectable biomaterials. By combining nanoclay scaffolds with responsive agents, you will aim to control where new bone forms for non-invasive regeneration. -
Electronics and Computer Science
Enhancing reliability and lifetime of dry-type transformers in renewable energy applications
Offshore wind plays a crucial role in the UK’s electrical energy generation. To ensure security of supply, wind farms must remain available for connection to the transmission network and consistently meet their generation requirements. This project aims to enhance wind turbine reliability through the development of advanced condition‑monitoring diagnostic tools. -
Electronics and Computer Science
2D-transition metal dichalcogenide nanoelectronic devices for neuromorphic computing
This project will explore transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) semiconductors to build transistors and memristive devices enabling energy-efficient neuromorphic systems. The project forms part of the EPSRC EXPRESS Programme Grant and combines nanofabrication, device physics and advanced materials characterisation. -
Engineering | Mathematical sciences
Multifunctional soft smart materials for adaptive sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting in loaded body interfaces for people with disabilities
This PhD project develops multifunctional soft actuatable materials for integrated sensing, actuation, and energy harvesting in biomedical loaded-body interfaces. Using polypyrrole (via ion intercalation/electroosmotic swelling for bending) or IPMC (ionic migration causing asymmetric swelling), devices target plantar-shoe interfaces for people with foot dysfunctions, residual limb-socket for lower-limb amputees, and wheelchair seating to enhance comfort, pressure management, and mobility. -
Engineering
Intelligent X-ray computed tomography scanning for advanced manufacturing
This project will develop intelligent scanning strategies that overcome the limitations of conventional X-ray computed tomography (XCT), enabling inspection of next-generation engineering components. -
Engineering
An investigation of electrical contact materials for micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switching
This project aims to overcome the long‑standing reliability limitations of MEMS switches by enabling robust low‑voltage hot switching under load conditions. -
Engineering
Rebuilding bone: additive bio-manufacturing of functionalized nanoclay bone tissue engineering scaffolds
This project aims to transform the treatment of large bone defects by creating personalised, 3D-printed scaffolds that are strong, bioactive and clinically relevant. You will develop functionalised nanoclay hydrogel bioinks, optimise additive bio-manufacturing, and validate performance in vitro with engineering–medicine collaboration and Renovos Biologics.